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May 2003
Volume 2, Report 2
from
Twyman L. Towery, Ph.D., LFACHE
Rule 31 Listed Civil Mediator
Speaker * Author * Consultant * Facilitator
Website: http://www.twymantowery.com
Email: tt@twymantowery.com |
Twyman Towery has
over 30 years experience as a hospital CEO and corporate executive, plus
16 years experience as a speaker, consultant and author. To view a partial
list of Twyman's previous clients: http://www.twymantowery.com/speaker.htm#aclient
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This issue's theme is ORGANIZATIONAL
INTEGRITY. I hope you find the information insightful and beneficial.
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In This Report |
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Integrity:
The quality or state of being of sound moral principle; uprightness, honesty
and sincerity. - Webster's New World Dictionary.
A Confederate Spy
Sam Davis, a young Confederate scout from Middle Tennessee was captured
by Union spies (they were dressed in Rebel uniforms - he was in his own)
and found to be carrying secret papers. He was offered his freedom, if
he would reveal his source. He answered "If I had a thousand lives,
I would give them all before I would betray a friend or the confidence
of my informer". Now that's integrity!
They hanged him.
Does Integrity Matter Anymore?
Many people today are openly saying, NO! They say that in a capitalist
society such as ours, only this quarter's earnings report carries any
real meaning. They acknowledge that talking about "feel-good"
terms like "honesty" and "integrity" make for good
sound bites, but say that reality requires a hard look at the facts, not
the hype. Wait a minute, the old timers (including me) reply, "Has
anyone or any company ever gone out of business by doing the right thing?"
What is this...? "Dumbo Quiz"? Of course companies have gone
out of business for doing the right thing. And taking the honorable course
has been the death knell, literally, for some terrifically principled
people!
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As Sydney Biddle Barrows,
the Mayflower Madam, said, "I ran the wrong kind of business,
but I ran it with INTEGRITY."
Beware of the most dangerous person in the business - the articulate
incompetent -- Anonymous
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Integrity:
honor, honesty, probity, uprightness, wholeness, completeness, oneness.
- ROGET'S College Thesaurus
Protecting Their Workers
When NAFTA was initiated, many textile plants in the U.S. shut their
doors and cut their losses. Other textile owners decided to fight on,
keeping their loyal workers on the payroll. Since then, many of them have
folded and now neither the workers nor the owners have an income. The
integrity was there, but...
Integrity: - syn HONESTY,
honestness, honor, honorableness, incorruption. rel forthrightness,
straightforwardness - Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus
Today, a more popular brand of story flourishes, e.g.: As football coach,
Mike Ditka often gave a locker room pre-game talk. A example of his emphasis
on integrity is illustrated by the following story: "Alright,"
he reportedly barked, "let's say the Lord's Prayer and get the
hell out of here".
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"Be careful what you pretend to be, because you ARE what you pretend
to be." - Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
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In this time of constant "change' within organizations,
INTEGRITY has never been more important. If "change" is the
key buzzword within your organization and the "troops are getting
restless", NOW is the time to have Twyman Towery share his "Change
is Opportunity" message with your management team or entire organization.
Don't wait until it's too late. Call (615) 370-3587 now or e-mail Twyman
at tt@twymantowery.com
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One
Hospital CEO's Integrity
The CEO of a hospital told me recently that integrity, customer service,
and other warm and fuzzy stuff was no longer necessary. Now that the lion's
share of our admissions are generated by Medicare, HMOs and other managed
care organizations, our charge is to run as efficiently as possible. I
won't say that patient and employee satisfaction don't matter at all,
but our numbers are what gets me a raise or a pink slip," he tells
me, as he explains why his key executives didn't need a management retreat.
This guy boasted to me that he was the highest paid hospital CEO in the
state. He was, until a hastily called board meeting resulted in his dismissal.
The hospital has no forwarding address for him. His attitude was good
for business. Mine!
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"I
have worked with many professionals, speakers and facilitators over the
years and I feel that your talents, skills and commitments were excellent.
I can assure you that the Brookwood Medical Center organization will be
looking forward to seeing you at future activities." John R.
Nickens, III, CEO
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Not everything that is legal is necessarily right. Slavery, for instance,
was once legal. - Anonymous
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Dr. Towery is now offering "CREATIVE CONFLICT
RESOLUTION" as one of his main keynote speeches at retreats and seminars.
Call (615) 370-3587 or e-mail: tt@twymantowery.com
for more information.
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Where
Can I Find Some Of This Industry Integrity? - The Wood Industry
For decades now, environmental groups have been railing against the
wood and paper industries. Wood has been a very visible target, while
the Enrons and Worldcoms of the world were able to operate behind fancy
clothes and digs. Some of the charges contained elements of truth; others
were outrageously false. Through the years I have had the good fortune
to work with wood industry organizations such as: forestry, logging, plywood,
molding, truss builders, paper companies and many others. Last fall, when
I was with the American Loggers Council, the E.V.P., Danny Dructor, told
me about their Certified Master Logger Program. Only loggers who practice
Sustainable Forestry techniques can carry the designation of Certified
Master logger. Sustainable Forestry means planting more than you harvest,
protecting streams and wildlife - in short, doing what you say you will
to protect our natural resources while making a living from them. The
loggers are voluntarily opening themselves up to third party verification
consisting of teams that include foresters, loggers, conservationists
and other interested parties.
After all, nobody loves the forests more than those who work there. These
are people that see the product of their work every time they look at
a house or use toilet paper. But there is another reason that going to
this trouble and expense makes sense - retailers like Lowe's, Home Depot,
Office Max, Staples and others have felt the environmental concern for
sustainable forest practices and there stands The American Loggers Council,
ready and willing to deliver. The loggers' INTEGRITY ensures them an enthusiastic
market for their products. Please let me know what your company or organization
is doing of a similar nature.
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"Your
comments about organizations and family values were deeply appreciated
by all of our members."
Danny Dructor, Executive Vice President, American Loggers Council
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If he has done what he says he can do... it ain't braggin'. -
Anonymous
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Is it time for management development training
in your organization?
Twyman L. Towery, Ph.D., LFACHE
Phone: (615) 370-3587 * Fax: (615)-661-8944 * Email: tt@twymantowery.com
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I never knew a man that was good at excuses that was good at anything
else. - Benjamin Franklin
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Visit Twyman's website (http://www.twymantowery.com)
to learn about his two best-selling books.
"The Wisdom of Wolves - Nature's way to
Organizational Success" explains some of the crucial elements
of any successful business or organization, such as teamwork, communication,
perseverance and attitude.
"The Power of Eagles - Nature's Way to Individual
Accomplishment" is packed with stories, anecdotes, quotes,
and provocative questions that will illuminate timeless principles - Symbolism,
Courage, Loyalty, Vision, Native American Cultures, Celebration, Foundation,
Mentoring, Teamwork and Biblical values.
Available for $19.95, plus shipping/handling. E-mail
for more information: tt@twymantowery.com
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Mr.
Hornsby (A great story)
Pitcher Johnny Sain was in his rookie year with the Boston Braves when
he found himself facing the legendary Rogers Hornsby of The St. Louis
Cardinals. Sain, trying to be clever, threw for the corner of the plate.
Umpire Bill Klem called it a ball. Sain didn't like the call, but quietly
threw toward the other corner with the next pitch, to which Klem yelled
"Ball!" again. Sain exploded in protest this time. The umpire
calmly replied by saying, "Young man," when you throw a strike,
Mr. Hornsby will let you know it."
Integrity means being as good as our word. Isn't that the kind of company
or person you want to do business with?
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Planning a corporate retreat? Need a keynote speaker? Workshop
facilitator?
Twyman will tailor his presentation to fit the needs of your organization.
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...and on a personal note
INTEGRITY - A Personal Story
When I was a junior in high school, we hung out at the local Dairy Gold
in our cars and trucks. Drag races, fights and romances seemed to originate
there in equal numbers in a scene reminiscent of the movie, American Graffiti.
It became a sort of badge of honor to confiscate a mug every now and then
to show off at home, so I got into the swing of things and heisted mine.
The next Saturday night I was back - with my Dad (a shame too horrible
to imagine). When 11:00 P.M. came and Daddy knew the lot was filled to
capacity, I was instructed to march to the service window and turn over
my bounty - one root beer mug - to the manager. I did as told and mumbled
an apology. Daddy and I then went home and as I went up to bed he said,
"Our family doesn't steal. We have integrity".
Years later I visited a former class mate in prison. He had become a lawyer
with a thriving practice. Divorce and then drink led him to attempt to
bribe a judge, which landed him in prison. He told me he remembered the
mug incident and though they hooted and made fun of me at the time he
had secretly wished his Dad had cared that much about what he did. He
said he had taken integrity for granted and his dulled instinct had failed
him. He said the difference was, my Daddy had TAUGHT me INTEGRITY.
Thanks Dad!
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Please feel free to forward The Towery Report to anyone who
might enjoy it.
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let us know if your e-mail address changes. If you change companies or
have moved, please send us your new information, so we can update our
database. Send changes to tt@twymantowery.com.
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